As the class of 2023 are saying their goodbyes to high school and moving on to their next adventure, the class of 2024 is preparing for their senior year. As the class of 2024, you have a year of excitement, adventure, and "lasts" to look forward to as you round out your high school career and begin your senior year. 

As incoming seniors, you likely have many things on your mind. However, take a minute to think about your legacy and what you want to remember about high school and senior year. 

Now take that thought and apply it to your senior portraits. Here are some tips to help you prepare for senior year and your senior portraits. 

1. Your Yearbook Portrait is Yours

Your yearbook portrait will be among the first portraits of your senior year. And your school will tell you that they have a photographer that can help. However, using the school's photographer means you must be ready when they are and purchase what they offer.  That's not necessarily the case.

Your senior yearbook portrait is still yours. You do not need to use a school photographer. Instead, you can choose your own photographer and make sure your portrait showcases you and your signature look and style. However, it is best to find and book the yearbook portraits early as most deadlines are in October.  Please consult with your yearbook advisor.

2. Determine What Matters to YOU!

Senior year is the end of an era. However, it is also the beginning of one. It is the opportunity for you, as a senior, to figure out what matters to you and make that a part of your story. As a result, these items that matter to you can become the backdrop of your senior portraits. Think about where you came from - home, schools, parks, etc - that you may love to capture again!  Have you been an athlete throughout high school - maybe go back to the first field you played on for a combination of then and now?  Have you stayed with the same friends through your life?  If so, let's capture amazing portraits reminiscing!  And last but certainly not least, family.  Let's not forget to include your family in your senior portraits.  Your senior portraits should reflect who you are now and all that makes you YOU!  Let's collaborate!

3. Be Authentic

In life, and in your senior portraits, authenticity is key. Do not try to be something or someone you are not. Be proud of who you are, your accomplishments, and your goals. Authenticity shines through and is more beautiful than any amount of makeup or clothing styles.  

4. Be Prepared

One of the hardest lessons people learn in life is preparation. This skill can be learned early and will help you in every facet of life. When it comes to senior portraits, be prepared. Book sessions for your senior year early. Make sure to capture all the ideas you may want. Determine the best time for friend portraits, sports portraits, and portraits of hobbies you care about. The more you prepare early, the more  likely your senior portraits will tell the story of your senior year the way it should be told and in a manner that matters most to you.  Here's a post on "must have" shots that may help in planning.

Final Thoughts

Make sure you work with a photographer who will capture the authentic you and guide you through your process. Set up a 15-minute chat to discuss expectations, collaborate on ideas, and plan out your senior portrait experience with Lisa Mongulla Photography. Or give Lisa a call at 856-297-0910 before it gets too late.